Embalming apparatus



Jan. 27, 1953 w. s. MOORE 2,626,446

EMBALMING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 10, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet l CONSTANTFLOLIJ PULSATINQ FLOUJ I v INVENTOR. oz. a M I zy-5 W W 1953 w. s. MOORE2,626,446

EMBALMING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 10, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 71 I w S INIIENTOR. 5- BY wmg M,HM/M

Jan. 27, 1953 w. s. MOORE 2,626,446

EMBALMING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 10, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEN TOR.

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Patented Jan. 27, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EMBALMING APPARATUSWilliam Stirling Moore, Batavia, Ohio Application September 10, 1949,Serial No. 115,020

. 12 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of embalming and has particularreference to an apparatus for mixing and delivering under automaticcontrol a solution of embalming fluid for injection into the body. Theapparatus is intended to utilize a standard embalming liquid which ismixed with water in predetermined proportion and injected rhythmicallyinto the circulatory system by way of the arteries.

The technique of embalming by arterial injection has been practiced fora great many years and consists essentially of injecting under pressurea solution of embalming fluid into the larger arteries, for example, theaxillary or carotid, for distribution through the circulatory system.Drainage is accomplished through the Venous system and, if the operationis performed under proper conditions, the treating fluid reachessubstantially all parts of the body. In the past, one practice has beento inject the solution by gravity pressure by feeding the embalmingfluid from an elevated vessel, the pressure of injection correspondingto the amount of elevation of the vessel. This arrangement providesconstant pressure and extreme care must be exercised throughout theoperation because distension or swelling can occur very rapidly in areaswhere there is present some obstruction in the circulatory system. Theformation of swellings is a serious mishap because the chemical actionof the fluid causes them very quickly to become fixed, making it verydifiicult to reduce or conceal them. In order to gain closer control ofinjection pressure, another procedure has been to inject the fluid byusing a hand operated syringe. Approximately the same amount of pressurecan be developed but the operation is slow and tedious. A more recenttechnique involves the use of mechanical injectors, such as pumps, whichperform their function with greater efficiency and speed than the handand gravity systems but they still tend to cause distension due toconstant injection pressure and lack of precise regulation. Thus, whilethe injecting machine provides faster and more efficient treatment, it,nevertheless, is subject to the same disadvantages inherent in thegravity systems and requires very careful supervision.

It has been determined by experiment that, while a given injectionpressure may cause distension when applied constantly; the same orgreater pressure, if developed intermittently, may be applied withoutinjurious effects. This phenomenon apparently is due to temporarydilation of the blood vessels, permitting the injection pressure to bedissipated gradually before the next impulse reestablishes pressure. Inother words, the solution must pass through the smaller capillarieswhich set up considerable flow resistance, but by rhythmic applicationof pressure, the liquid is given opportunity to pass through, instead ofbuilding up excessive back pressure. By operation in this manner, it hasbeen found that the solution can be injected safely at considerablygreater pressure and rate of flow than was possible by the apparatusavailable in the past and, consequently, a more thorough operation canbe performed in a shorter period of time. Furthermore, much better blooddrainage is obtained due to the pulsating action which allows the use ofhigher injecting pressure. It has been determined that an injection rateof to pulsations a minute, which approximates normal heart-beatfrequency, with a potential output pressure in the neighborhood of 10lbs. per square inch, will produce most eflicient results in the averagecase.

A primary object of the invention, therefore, has been to provide asimple reliable apparatus which is arranged to mix and deliver asolution rhythmically at a controlled rate of flow, with provisions forvarying conveniently the rate of flow and solution strength to adapt theapparatus to various operating conditions. The advantages to theoperator are that he handles no water and concentrate, the operationneed not be halted for mixing and recharging the machine since mixing isdone automatically, and the solution strength can be varied at willalmost instantly during the operation.

A further advantage lies in the fact that the amount of mixedconcentrate and water in the apparatus at any given time is limitedapproximately to 8 ounces so that little or no concentrate need bewasted at the finish of the operation. Briefly, the invention is basedupon the concept of providing a water reservoir and a concentratereservoir, both of which are maintained under a common head pressure, inconjunction with an automatic valving system which feeds metered streamsof liquid from the respective reservoirs to a closed mixing tank, thevalving system being responsive to the mixing tank pressuresimultaneously to block the supply lines and open a discharge lineleading from the mixing tank to the injecting instrument. Thus, themixing tank is alternately charged and discharged so long as water andconcentrate are supplied, resulting in a pulsating discharge. Bysupplying a constant flow of water to the water reservoir at controlledpressure, a constant head pressure is maintained by air trapped in thereservoir and this pressure is transmitted to the concentrate reservoir.By metering the flow from the respective reservoirs to the mixing tank,a predetermined proportion of concentrate and liquid are forced into themixing tank upon each impulse.

The pulsating discharge is accomplished in a very simple manner by theuse of electrically controlled valves which regulate simultaneously theflow of liquid from the water and concentrate reservoirs to the mixingtank, in conjunction with a third valve interconnected in the circuit todischarge the mixture from the mixing tank at injection pressure whenthe mixture attains a predetermined pressure by compression of airtrapped in the tank. The supply valves operate alternately with respectto the discharge valve by means of a pressure responsive switch whichcornmunicates with the mixing tank, the switch being electricallyinterconnected with the valves in a manner to open the supply valveswhen pressure in the mixing tank is at minimum, and alternately to closethe supply valves and open the discharge valve when pressure is atmaximum. Pressure for operating the apparatus is developed andmaintained constantly in a simple and reliable manner by air trapped inthe water reservoir, which in turn, is regulated by a pressureregulating supply valve placed in a line leading from the water serviceline to the reservoir. This valve preferably is regulated and setpermanently at the factory to introduce water at constant pressure intothe reservoir to replenish the supply in accordance with the rate ofdelivery.

In the use of the injecting equipment available in the past, the usualpractice has been to mix together the embalming concentrate and waterbefore placing it in the injecting equipment. However, the strength ofthe solution must or should be varied according to a great number offactors, some cases requiring a stronger solution than others; also, incertain cases, the embalming operation must be started with a weaksolution, followed by one or more stronger solutions. Obviously, thisprocedure involves a great deal of extra work and time if the equipmentmust be shut down for the change over. By the provisions of the improvedsystem, a supply of concentrate is placed in the apparatus and mixed inuniform percentage with fresh water to provide the desired solution ofconcentrate, and by a variable metering arrangement the solutionstrength can be varied conveniently while the apparatus is in operationso as to meet the particular requirements of a case with eihciency andprecision. The proportion of concentrate and water is controlled verysimply by a variable metering valve placed in the supply line from thewater reservoir to the mixing tank, operable to vary the volume of waterwhich may pass during one pulsation, the valve operating in conjunctionwith a fixed orifice placed in the line leading in the concentrate tankto the mixing tank so that the quantity of water and concentrate arecorrelated. Since, as above noted, the water and concentrate aremaintained in storage at the same pressure, a fixed'quantity of eachwill be introduced into the mixing tank at each pulsation. The rate of'fiow' is regulated by a second variable metering valve placed in thedischarge line which leads from the mixing tank to the injectioninstrument, whereby the fiow may be 4 restricted in accordance with therequirements of each particular case.

In a preferred structural embodiment of the invention, the respectivetanks or reservoirs are cylindrical and are placed one within the otherconcentrically for compactness. Thus, the largest or exterior tank whichincludes a top, constitutes a water reservoir, a second tankconcentrically nested within the water tank constitutes a concentratereservoir, while the mixing tank, which is the smallest of the three, isnested concentrically within the concentrate tank. In order to provide acommon head pressure for both the water and concentrate, the top of theconcentrate tank is open so that the concentrate and water are exposedto the air which is trapped therein. The mixing tank, however, isrequired to develop its own pressure as the concentrate and water arefed into it, consequently, its upper end is provided with a closure sothat it is not exposed to the head pressure within the water tank. Thetanks form a compact unit housed within a cabinet, the front of which isprovided with a control panel for mounting the various control andindicating devices for convenient observation and regulation. The watersupply for the apparatus is pressure regulated by the previously notedby-pass valve which, for convenience, is remote from the. controlcabinet, preferably being placed in or above the sink or bowl usuallyassociated with the water service valves so that the water by-passed bythe valve in its pressure regulating capacity is drained away in aconvenient manner.

By virtue of operation by water pressure, the apparatus, with theexception of the valves, has no moving parts which are subject to wear.Its operation is found to be extremely quiet and reliable and by reasonof the lightweight compact construction of the unit, it may readily betransported and installed in a convenient manner. Further advantages ofthe invention are disclosed in greater detail in the specification withreference to the drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment so thatthose skilled in the art will comprehend readily the variousmodifications to which the invention is subject.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front view of the cabinet which houses the apparatus,illustrating generally the arrangement of the control and indicatingdevices with respect to the panel which forms the front of the cabinet.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the complete liquid systemand control circuit constituting the apparatus.

Figure 3 is adiagrammatic view illustrating the arrangement andoperation of the flow meter which is incorporated in the system.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line i4, Figure 1, illustrating apreferred structural arrangement of parts within the cabinet.

Figure 5 is a top planview ofthe cabinet unit illustrated in Figure 4with the respective tops of the cabinet and tanks removed to facilitateillustration.

Figure 6 is a vertical cross section illustrating a preferred form ofpressure regulating valve utilized in conjunction with the fresh watersupply to regulate input pressure.

Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevation of the pressure responsive switchwhich is used in con junction with the mixing tank.

Figure 8 is a side elevation partially in section illustrating one ofthe solenoid operated valves which are utilized in the apparatus.

Figure 9 is a view partially in section of one of of the fixed orificeswhich are used in the apparatus to meter liquid flow.

Figure 10 is a view partially in section illustrating an adjustablemetering valve which is employed to vary the strength of the embalmingsolution.

General structure and operation The operation of the apparatus is mostclearly disclosed with reference to Figure 2 which illustratesdiagrammatically the complete liquid distribution system in conjunctionwith the electric control circuit. In general, the apparatus constitutesa water reservoir IS, a concentrate reservoir l6 and a mixing tank ll.Fresh water is supplied constantly to the reservoir from the serviceline l8 which supplies water at normal service pressure, which may be inthe neighborhood of 60 to 100 lbs, per sq. in. Pressure is reduced bythe fixed or set variable pressure regulator 2 6 (Figure 6), the watersupply passing from line it into regulator 20, water at reduced pressurebeing introduced into the water reservoir by way of line 2|. Regulatorin general constitutes an adjustable valve which by-passes the highpressure water supply but maintains a fixed back pressure, for example,18 to 20 lbs. per sq. in. for passage to the reservoir I5.

As shown diagrammatically, water reservoir i5 is a closed vessel so thatair is trapped in its upper portion to form a cushion providing aflexible head pressure which remains practically constant, wherebypassage of water from the reservoir can be metered accurately. Theconcentrate tank It, which contains the concentrated embalming fluid, ismaintained under the same pressure as the water reservoir. In practice,head pressure is developed by the same cushion of air which is trappedin the water reservoir so that pressure is uniform in both tanks, makingit possible to provide a metered flow from the concentrate reservoir,correlated with the metered flow from the water reservoir. Thus, theflow of liquid from each tank can be metered precisely in proportion toprovide the desired solution strength. Upon reference to Figure 4, itwill be observed that the concentrate tank is disposed within the waterreservoir, the top of the tank being open so that the air pressuretrapped in the reservoir acts also upon the concentrate; however, forillustrative purposes, in Figure 2, a conduit 22 is shown in connectionwith both tanks to illustrate the pressure communication between thetanks. If desired, the tanks can be arranged separately as shown inFigure 2, although for compactness, it is preferred to nest them onewithin another in the manner illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

As shown, there is provided a supply line 23 leading from the waterreservoir to the mixing tank I! and a supply line 24 leading from theconcentrate reservoir l6 to the mixing tank l1. From the bottom of themixing tank, there is extended a discharge line 25 for conducting themixed solution from the mixing tank to the injecting instrument. Theflow of liquid from the water and concentrate reservoirs is controlledby solenoid valves 26 and 21 placed in the respective lines 23 and 24,and a third solenoid valve 23 is placed in the line 25 to control thedischarge of liquid from the mixing tank to the injecting instrument.These valves are energized intermittently by a pressure responsiveswitch unit in-- dicat'ed generally at 30 which is in communication withthe mixing tank by the conduit 3 I. The solenoid operated valves 26, 21and 28 may be identical in construction as illustrated in Figure 8 andthe pressure responsive switch assembly is illustrated structurally inFigure 7.

It will be noted that mixing tank I! constitutes a closed vessel whichpreferably is placed concentrically within the concentrate tank, asshown in Figure 4, the tank including a top cover plate 32 to isolate itfrom the air pressure trapped above the liquid level in the concentrateand water reservoirs. In the position shown, the pressure responsiveswitch holds the solenoid valves 26 and 21 in open position to causewater and concentrate to be conducted to the mixing tank I! at a meteredrate, and as the liquid level in the mixing tank rises, it compresses bydisplacement the air which is contained in the tank. Upon attaining a,sufiicient head pressure, as determined by the setting of the pressureresponsive switch, the switch is actuated to close the supply valves 26and 21 and simultaneously to open the discharge valve 28, causing themixed solution to be discharged from the mixing tank through line 25 tothe injecting instrument, under pressure exerted by the air trapped inthe mixing tank. When mixing tank pressure drops to minimum, thepressure responsive switch reacts to open the supply valve 26 and 21 andclose the discharge valve 28 to repeat the cycle.

An electric circuit interconnects the supply and discharge valves withthe pressure responsive switch to perform automatically this operation.As shown in Figure 2, the circuit is energized by a pair of power lines33 and 34, line 33 being connected in common to the coils 35 of thethree solenoid valves by means of branch lines 36, 31 and 38. Thecircuit is completed to the opposite ends of the coils 35 through thepressure responsive switch 39, which includes a pole which is connectedto the supply line 34. As shown, switch 39 is a single pole, doublethrow unit having contacts 4| and 42. connected to contact 4|, branchingrespectively to the coils 35 of valves 26 and 21 so as to complete thecircuit through both coils simultaneously when the switch pole is in theposition illustrated. Upon being energized, these coils open therespective solenoid valves 26 and 21 to supply concentrate and water tothe mixing tank. When a predetermined mixing tank pressure is reached,the position of pole 40 is reversed to close valves 26 and 2'! and toestablish a circuit from pole 4D to contact 42 to open the dischargevalve 28. The circuit to valve 23 is completed from line 34 throughswitch pole 43, line 44, through the coil of valve 28, line 38, to line33. It will be observed, therefore, that the mixing tank will be chargedand discharged alternately under control of the pressure responsiveswitch so long as the electric circuit is energized, and concentrate andwater supply is maintained.

The operation of the apparatus is controlled by a main power switch 45which is interposed in the power line 34, the switch preferably being ofthe toggle type mounted upon the control panel, as shown in Figure l.The circuit further is provided with indicating lamps 46 and 47, thelamp 46 being connected by line 48 in shunt with the coil of supplyvalve 26 and thus is illuminated each time the solenoid valve is en-.

A line 43 is ergized. The lamp 4'! is shunted by the line 50 across thecoil of discharge valve 28 in the same manner as lamp 46 and indicatesthe intermittent operation of discharge valve 28. The lamps are mountedbehind the control panel 5| and are visible through windows mounted inthe panel for this purpose. The windows are identified in Figure 1 bythe numerals 46 and 41 to show the location of the respective supply anddischarge lamps.

In normal pulsating operation, lamps 46 and 41 will flash alternately asthe supply and discharge valves open and close. In performing certainother techniques, the apparatus may be operated at constant deliveryinstead of pulsating. For this purpose, there is provided a secondcontrol switch indicated at 53, interposed in a line 54 which isconnected in shunt with respect to the pressure responsive switch. Whenswitch 53 is closed, the circuit to the discharge valve 28 is by-passedfrom line 34 to line 44 around the pressure responsive switch, thuscompleting a circuit from line 34 through the coil of valve 28 to line33 so that the valve is maintained in open position. When the circuit isthus conditioned, the supply valves 26 and 2'! will operate as explainedbefore to maintain normal injecting pressure in mixing tank I! andmetered flow of liquid from the water and concentrate reservoirs to themixing tank. Thus, the supply and mixing apparatus operates undercontrol of the pressure responsive switch because the discharge fiow isless than the flow of water and concentrate but since the dischargevalve is held open, the mixture is discharged continuously to theinjecting instrument.

Flow control apparatus As above indicated, the concentrate and waterreservoirs are maintained at uniform constant pressure in theneighborhood of 18 to 20 lbs. per sq. in. The pressure responsive switchfor the mixing tank may be regulated for various pressures and in thepresent structure, the system has been found to perform best at asetting of approximately 10 lbs. per sq. in. In other words, thepressure responsive switch will maintain the supply valves 28 and 2'! inopen position until a pressure of 10 lbs. per square inch is developedin the mixing tank before the switch trips to block the supply valvesand open the discharge valve 28. Thus, disregarding flow resistance,there is a pressure differential of approximately 10 lbs. between thesupply tanks and the mixing tank at the start of each chargingoperation. Since the water and concentrate reservoirs are under the samepressure, the flow from therespective tanks to the mixing tank can bemetered precisely by interposing metering orifices in the supply lines.

In the present structure, a fitting 55, having a fixed metering orificeis interposed in the concentrate supply line 25, and a variable meteringor mixing valve 56 is interposed in the line 23 leading from thewater-reservoir. The fixed orifice in line 24, therefore, permits afixed quantity of concentrate to pass in a given timeperiod while theadjustable valve 56 permits afixed quantity of water to pass during thesame interval, bearing in mind the fact that both reser voirs are underthe same pressure and that both lines are opened simultaneously .for thesame time period by operation of valvesZB-and 21. Thus, the adjustablevalve may be regulated so as to supply a fixed quantity of water inproportion to the quantity of concentrate metered by fitting 55.

As an example, in using a commercial embalming concentrate, the mixturemay be a weak solution in the proportion of 1 part concentrate to 64parts water, while a solution of maximum strength may be in theproportion of 16 to 64, depending upon various factors encountered inthe operation. By way of example but not of limitation, the fixedorifice in line 24 may meter the concentrate at a flow rate of 1 ounceper minute, while the adjustable metering valve may be regulated tometer the water at a flow rate of 4 to 64 ounces per minute. Thus, theproportion of water to concentrate may be indicated directly withreference to the adjustment dial of the mixing valve by means ofcalibrations. It will be observed at this point that the adjustablemetering valve 55 is placed in the water supply line 23 to providemaximum precision, since the flow of water is far greater than the flowof concentrate. In other words, by fixing the minor flow rate(concentrate) and varying the major flow rate (water) the control ofsolution is made far more precise than if the concentrate flow werevariably metered.

In its preferred form, as illustrated in Figure 10, the variablemetering valve is of the needle valve variety, having a control knob 51operating in conjunction with graduations 58 (Figure l) which indicatethe percentage of solution so that the operator may conveniently varythe solution. The detailed construction of the needle valve, asillustrated in Figure 10, and the fixed orifice fitting, illustrated inFigure 9, are further described in an appropriate section of thespecification.

The rate of flow of the solution to the injecting instrument may bevaried by a variable metering valve 60 which may be identical inconstruction to the valve 55, above noted. This valve is regulated by aknob Bl mounted on the face of control panel 5i for convenientmanipulation by the operator. In order to provide accuracy of control,the flow valve 60 operates in conjunction with a fitting 62 having afixed orifice similar to the fitting 55 previously described. The rateof fi-ow is indicated in ounces per minute by a fiow gauge indicated atas which is interposed between the fixed orifice fitting 62 and variabledischarge valve 66.

In general, the flow gauge 63 consists of a conventional pressureindicating gauge which, in conjunction with the flow valve Gil,indicates the amount of flow in terms of back pressure. In other words,the solution flows at a fixed rate through the fixed orifice 62, in thepresent instance, at the rate of 45 ounces per minute when flow valve 60is wide open; thus, when the fiow valve is wide open, back pressuretheoretically is at zero, disregarding flow resistance and back pressurebeyond the gauge. The graduations of gauge 63 decrease gradually as backpressure increases so that when valve 60 is completely closed withpressure at maximum, the flow gauge will indicate zero. As indicateddiagrammatically in Figure 3, the flow gauge is provided with two setsof numerals, the numerals designated at A indicating the fiow in ouncesper minute when the apparatus is pulsating, the second set B,indicatingthe flow in ounces per minute under continuous discharge. Thisarrangement is necessary because there is obviously a greaterdisplacement of solution under con- 9 tinuous discharge at a givenpressure than at intermittent discharge. The dial further includes amark 55 which indicates dangerous back pressure under certain conditionsas described later in detail.

Structure and. arrangement of parts As shown in Figures 4 and 5, therespective tanks l5, l6 and I l preferably are nested one within theother and enclosed by a cabinet 65, the front of which is provided withthe aforesaid control panel 5i. The cabinet includes a base plate is?upon which the tank assembly is mounted in an elevated position by theangle brackets (it which are secured to the bottom of tank i5,preferably by soldering or brazing. The lower ends of the brackets aresecured to the base plate 6'! and thus support the tank in an elevatedposition so that the various conduits may enter directly into the bottomof the tanks, as illustrated. The top of the cabinet includes a coverplate ll and the water reservoir includes a cover plate 72. In order toreplenish the concentrate reservoir, a filler tube 13 passes in sealedrelationship through the tank top 12 and extends through the cabinet topH for convenience in adding the concentrate to the apparatus. The upperend of the filler pipe includes a screwthreaded cap M which provides aseal to prevent loss of air pressure.

A liquid level gauge 15 (Figures 1, 2 and l) indicates the liquid levelof the concentrate within the reservoir, the gauge being visible throughan opening formed in the control panel and having a transparentgraduation plate lt (Figure 1) secured to the control panel to indicatethe level. The bottom of the liquid reservoir is connected to theconcentrate tank by a tube 11 which extends through the tank bottom andinto connection with the lower end of the gauge while the upper end ofthe gauge is connected to a tube 18 which communicates with the waterreservoir. The various control and indicating components of theapparatus are appropriately mounted upon the rear surface of the controlpanel 5! in the manner shown in Figure 5. The tubes and components bearthe same reference numerals as indicated on the diagram of Figure 2 andmay be identified readily.

The various components detailed in Figures 6 to 10 are intended torepresent preferred structures only, since the units may take otherforms, in some instances commercially available units being usable.Figure 6 illustrates the water pressure regulating and supply valvewhich is indicated generally at 20 in the diagram. In the formillustrated, the unit consists of a chamber 80 having the water supplyconduit 18 screwthreaded into its upper end, and the previously notedsupply conduit 2! screwthreaded laterally into the upper portion of thechamber. Within chamber 80, there is mounted, a valve consistituting aslidable stem 82 having a bead 83 at its upper end cooperating with avalve seat formed in a partition 84 which is welded within the insidediameter of the chamber near its upper end. The upper end of the valvestem is slidably guided by a cross strap 85 extending crosswise of thechamber, and the lower end of the stem is guided by a cap 86 which isadjustably screwthreaded upon the lower end of the chainber. A spring8'! is maintained in compression between cap 85 and a disk 88 secured tothe valve stem. so as to maintain the valve under spring pressure in itsclosed position, as shown. Cap 86 includes drainage holes 90 to permitthe water which is by-passed by the valve to drain freely and outputpressure is increased or decreased by adjusting the cap 86 to increaseor decerase the pressure of spring 8?.

Water at service pressure is introduced into the upper end of thechamber through the conduit i8 and flows through tube 2! until thedesired back pressure of 18 to 20 lbs. is developed in the waterreservoir. When this pressure is reached, it is suificient to actuatevalve 83 to bypass the supply through the holes 98, the unit preferablybeing located above a. sink or drainage receptacle. It will be apparentthat as water is withdrawn from reservoir 15, back pressure will bereduced whereupon the valve will replenish the reservoir. It has beenfound in operation that this arrangement is capable of maintaining thepressure Within very close limits so as to render the operation of theinjecting machine uniform and reliable.

The pressure responsive switch 39, as illus trated in Figure 7, ismounted within cabinet 56 by means of angle brackets 9| which aresecured to a base plate 61. The switch is actuated by a conventionalpressure operated metal bellows 92, having a lower end plate 93 which issecured upon the brackets 9|. A fitting 9c extends through the mountingplate and is connected to the mixing tank ll by the conduit 33previously noted. The bellows is provided with a vertical actuating stem25- which is mounted upon a disk 96 secured upon the upper end of thebellows. This stem passes slidably through a' knurled adjustment screw9'! which is screwthreaded through a plate 98 mounted upon spacers 99rising from the mounting plate 93. A compression spring I00 isinterposed between disk Stand the end of screw 91 to regulate thepressure required to actuate the microswitch 39. As shown, themicroswitch is mounted above the stem upon a U-shaped bracket 183, theswitch being clamped in position by nuts Hi l-I04 and having itsactuating stem I05 closely adjacent the upper end of stem 95. Theposition shown in Figure 7 corresponds to that shown diagrammatically inFigure 2; and it will be apparent that when fluid pressure is applied tothe bellows, it will expand causing its stem 95 to depress plunger I05of the switch to reverse the switch position. After experimentallysetting the adjustment screw 97, the assembly may be left undisturbed,the routine adjustments being made by the control knobs 5? and iii whichare mounted upon panel 5i.

A typical'solenoid operated valve which represents valves 26,21 and 2B,is illustrated in Figure 8. This valve constitutes a valve body H36having a'fitti'ng l9? upon which is clamped a solenoid unit we; Thevalve is conventionally designed and for this reason the mechanism ofthe solenoid is not detailed. Fitting IE6 is bored to provide a chamberH5 in which is located a direction indicated by the arrow through alateral passageway H4 to chamber H0, passing through aperture H5 tovalve seat Hi to a passageway -H6 communicating with the outlet end ofthe valve.

The fixed orifice fittings 55 and 62 of the diagram, which may beidentical, are detailed in Figure 9. The fitting constitutes a bodymember II? having a large bore H8 at its receiving end which provides ashoulder for fitting a sediment screen I which is secured preferably byapplying solder to the periphery of the screen. The restricted orificeis indicated at I2I and is formed by drilling a small hole through thebody of the valve. The liquid flows through the fitting in the directionindicated by the arrows, passing first through screen I20, then throughthe fixed orifice IEI to the opposite end of the housing. The tubesections E22 and I23 represent either the liquid conduits 24 or 25, inpractice the tubes being connected to the valve body by standard tubecouplings I2-I24 which are screwthreaded on the opposite ends of thefitting.

The variable flow metering or mixing valve 56 is detailed in Figure 10and, in general, consists of a valve body I25 having a boss I26 in whichis screwthreaded a valve stem I21. For accuracy of control, the valve isof conventional needle valve construction, the lower end of stem I 21being tapered as at I28 to meter the flow of liquid through the valveorifice I30. The valve is controlled by the knob 51 previously notedwhich includes an indicator finger which operates in conjunction withthe graduated dial plate 58 to indicate to the operator the proportionof water and concentrate being mixed. The valve is located in the watersupply line 23 and, as shown, the conduit 23 is connected to theopposite ends of the valve body by the tube couplings I3i-I3 I.

Operation In summary, the apparatus is conditioned for operation byfilling the concentrate tank I6 and opening the main water servicecontrol valve (not shown) to admit fresh waterby way of pipe I8, throughregulating valve 20 to water reservoir I5. With the control circuitdeenergized, the supply valves 26 and 27 and discharge valve 28 are inclosed position; therefore, as reservoir I5 fills. the air trapped inthe tank is compressed. When operating pressure, as determined by thesetting of regulator 29, is reached, the water delivered by conduit I8will by-pass through the valve. The apparatus is now ready foroperation.

With the injecting instrument in position and connected to the dischargetube I32 which extends from instrument panel 5I (Figure 1) pulsatinginjection operation may be started by closing the main control switch toenergize the operating circuit. The control knob 51 of mixing valve 55is adjusted to the desired mixture and the flow control valve 6!] isadjusted by the knob GI to the desired flow rate, as indicated by flowgauge 63. It is to be noted at this point that the flow gauge willindicate maximum flow before the apparatus is placed in operation since,as previously noted, the gauge operates by indicating back pressure asdeveloped by valve therefore, in order to obtain the desired flow rate,it is advisable to adjust the rate while the apparatus is in operation.

Gauge 63 performs a dual function since, in addition to indicating therate of flow, it is responsive to changes in back pressure which maydevelop in the circulatory system during the injection. During pulsatingoperation, the needle oscillates in accordance with the rise and fall ofpressure and in time with the flashing of the indicator lights 46 and41. Normally the needle should swing within a range defined by the rateof flow as determined by the adjustment of flow valve 60. By way ofexample, should the valve be set for 15 ounces per minute, asillustrated diagrammatically in Figure 3, the needle should indicatethis rate intermittently at each flash of the discharge indicating lamp41, at which moment discharge valve 28 is open and fluid is beinginjected. During the charging cycle when supply valves 26 and 2'! areopen, indicating lamp 46 will flash and at this moment pressure shoulddecrease to a minimum value and thus cause the indicating needle toswing to an apparently higher rate of flow, as indicated in brokenlines, by reason of the drop in pressure. Disregarding back pressure andassuming that pressure in line I32 drops to zero, at this moment, theflow gauge needle would indicate an apparent maximum rate of 45 ouncesper minute although there is no flow. Practically, however, there ispresent a certain amount of back pressure due to flow resistance in thecirculatory system and other factors, which will prevent the needle fromreaching its maximum flow indication. By way of example, back pressurein the circulatory system sufficient to hold the indicating needle atthe position shown in broken lines in the diagram may be consideredsafe. However, should the needle fail to pass over the danger markbetween injection surges, it may be assumed that an abnormal conditionexists and that excessive back pressure is being generated which maylead to dilation or distension of the blood vessels and swelling ofparts of the body. In this case, the operator should immediately takesteps to remedy the situation, either by shutting down the apparatus orby reducing the rate of flow to a safe factor.

In performing the operation, some cases rcquire that the solution bevaried in accordance with conditions encountered as the chemical changeprogresses in the tissues. For example, if discoloration is present, itmay be advisable to begin the operation with a relatively weak solutionso that the capillaries may be washed out, after which the solutionstrength is increased until proper preservation is attained. By placingunder accurate control both the rate of flow and the proportion ofmixture, the variable factors can be accommodated very conveniently andquickly in accordance with changing conditions.

If conditions so require, the pulse regulation switch 53 may be closedto provide a constant discharge. When the circuit is so conditioned, thedischarge valve 28 is held open constantly and the concentrate and waterflow turned on and off, as previously explained.

If the machine is not to be reused immediately after the embalmingoperation is completed, the residue of concentrate and water is drainedfrom the respective reservoirs I5 and It by opening the drain cocks I35and I36 (Figure 2). It will be noted in Figure 4, that the variousconduits pass into the bottom of the tanks to facilitate drainage andthat the stop cocks H5 and 526 are located below the level of theapparatus so that all of the liquid is withdrawn from the system bysiphon action. After drainage, it is recommended that the system beflushed with fresh water which may be introduced into the concentratetank through the filler pipe 13. The apparatus then is placed inoperation as before, preferably with the switch 53 in closed position topermit the water to flow freely through dis-- charge line 25 to removeall residue from the system. After a flushing period, the remainingwater may be drained from tanks I and I6 as before, leaving the switch53 closed to hold the discharge valve open to insure drainage of theentire system after which the main switch 45 is opened to deenergize thecircuit.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An embalming apparatus or the like comprising; a water reservoir, aconcentrate reservoir, a mixing unit, delivery means for introducingwater and concentrate from the respective reservoirs into the mixingunit, means for applying a uniform air pressure in common upon therespective water and concentrate reservoirs to force the water andconcentrate at substantially equal pressures into the delivery means,respective metering devices in said delivery means operable inconjunction with the air pressure means to meter the flow of water andconcentrate to the mixing unit, a conduit for delivering the solutionfrom the mixing tank to an injecting instrument, a pressure responsivedevice connected to the mixing unit, a discharge valve in said conduitadapted to control the delivery of solution from the mixing unit, andconnecting means between said pressure responsive device and saiddischarge valve adapted to open said valve when a predetermined pressureis developed within the mixing unit.

2. An embalming apparatus comprising; a water reservoir, a concentratereservoir, a closed mixing tank, a respective delivery system connectingthe water and concentrate reservoirs to the mixing tank, respectivemetering devices in said delivery systems operable to provide a meteredflow of water and concentrate from the respective reservoirs to themixing tank, a water supply system in communication with the waterreservoir operable to supply water to the reservoir in accordance withthe quantity of water drawn from the reservoir, means for transmittingthe pressure developed in the water reservoir to the concentratereservoir, a discharge conduit connected to the mixing tank, a dischargevalve in said conduit, a pressure responsive device con nected to themixing tank, means connecting the discharge valve to the pressureresponsive device operable to open the discharge valve when apredetermined pressure is developed in the mixing tank and to close thevalve when the pressure drops below said predetermined pressure, avariable iiow metering valve in the discharge conduit operable toregulate the rate of flow through the conduit, and a pressure responsivegauge in the discharge conduit operable in conjunction with the variableflow metering valve to indicate the rate of flow in accordance with theback pressure developed by the valve.

3. An embalming apparatus comprising; a water reservoir, a concentratereservoir, a closed mixing tank, a respective delivery system connectingthe water and concentrate reservoirs to the mixing tank, a fixedmetering device in the concentrate delivery system, a variable meteringdevice in the water delivery system operable in conjunction with thefixed metering device to provide a proportioned flow of water andconcentrate from the respective reservoirs to the mixing tank, a watersupply system in communication With the water reservoir operable tosupply water to the reservoir in accordance with the quantity of waterdrawn from the reservoir, means for transmitting the pressure developedin the water reservoir to the concentrate reservoir, a discharge conduitconnected to the mixing tank,

a discharge valve in said conduit, a pressure responsive deviceconnected to the mixing tank, means connecting the discharge valve tothe pressure responsive device operable to open the discharge valve whena predetermined pressure is developed in the mixing tank and to closethe valve when the pressure drops below said predetermined pressure, anda variable metering valve in the discharge conduit operable to regulatethe rate of flow through the conduit to an injecting instrument.

4. An embalming apparatus or the like comprising; a water reservoir, aconcentrate reservoir, a closed mixing tank, delivery means forintroducing water and concentrate from the respective reservoirs intothe mixing unit, means for applying a uniform delivery pressure upon therespective water and concentrate reservoirs, respective metering devicesin said delivery means operable in conjunction with the deliverypressure means to meter the flow of water and concentrate to the mixingtank, a pressure responsive device connected to the mixing tank, anelectrical switch connected to the pressure responsive device andadapted to be actuated in response to a predetermined pressure in themixing tank, a conduit for delivering the solution from the mixing tankto an injecting instrument, an electrically operated Valve in saidconduit in electrical connection with the electrical switch and arrangedto provide a pulsating discharge of solution from the apparatus inresponse to the changes in pressure within the mixing tank, a variabledischarge valve in the delivery conduit operable to control the rate ofsolution discharge, and a pressure responsive gauge in the solutiondelivery conduit operable in conjunction with the variable dischargevalve to indicate the rate of discharge flow in accordance with backpressure developed by the variable discharge valve, the pressureresponsive gauge being operable between discharge pulsations to indicateback pressure at the injecting instrument.

5. An embalming apparatus or the like comprising; a pressurized waterreservoir, a concentrate reservoir, a mixing tank, a respective deliverysystem connecting the water and concentrate reservoirs to the mixingtank, respective flow control devices in said delivery systems operableto provide a metered flow of water and concentrate from the respectivewater and concentrate reservoirs to the mixing tank, means fortransmitting the pressure of the water reservoir to the concentratereservoir whereby the water and concentrate are delivered to the mix ingtank in proportions determined by the said flow control devices, adischarge system connected to the mixing tank, an electrically operatedvalve interposed in said discharge system, a pressure responsive deviceconnected to the mixing tank, an'electrical switch operatively connectedto the pressure responsive device, said switch being electricallyconnected to the electrically operated valve and being operable to opensaid valve When the pressure in the mixing tank reaches a maximum valueto discharge the mixture and operable to close the valve when thepressure reaches a minimum value to provide a pulsating discharge ofmixed solution from the mixing tank.

6. An embalming apparatus or the like com-. prising; a water reservoir,a concentrate reser voir, a mixing tank, a respective supply system forconducting water and concentrate from the respective reservoirs tdthmixing tank, re-

spective supply valves in the supply systems 01 erable to regulate theflow of water and concentrate to the mixing tank, a pressure responsivedevice connected with the mixing tank and operated in accordance withthe quantity of water and concentrate introduced into the mixing tank,an electrical valve control switch con nected to the pressure responsivedevice and arranged to be actuated by the pressure responsive device, adischarge system communicating with the mixing tank, a discharge valveinterposed in the discharge system, the respective supply and dischargevalves being interconnected electrically with the valve control switchto open the supply valves and close the discharge valve when thequantity of solution in the mixing tank is at minimum and to open thedischarge valve and close the supply valves when the quantity ofsolution in the mixing tank is at maximum.

7, An embalming apparatus or the like comprising; a water reservoir, aconcentrate reser voir, a closed mixing tank, a respective supply systemfor conducting water and concentrate under controlled pressure from therespective reservoirs to the mixing tank, respective electricallyoperated supply valves in the supply systems operable to regulate theflow of water and concentrate to the mixing tank, a pressure responsivedevice connected with the mixing tank and operable in response to thepressure developed by the quantity of water and concentrate introducedinto the mixing tank, an electrical switch connected to the pressureresponsive device and arranged to be actuated by said device, adischarge system communicating with the n ixing tank, an electricallyoperated discharge valve interposed in the discharge system, therespective supply and discharge valves being interconnected electricallywith said electrical switch to open the supply valves and close thedischarge valve when the pressure of solution in the mixing tank is atminimum and to close the supply valves and open the discharge valve whenthe pressure of solution in the mixing tank is at maximum.

8. An embalming apparatus or the like comprising; a water reservoir, aconcentrate reservoir, a closed mixing tank, a respective supply systemfor conducting water and concentrate under controlled pressure from therespective reservoirs to the mixing tank, respective flow controldevices in said supply systems arranged to regulate the volume of waterand concentrate introduced into the mixing tank, respective electrically operated supply valves in the supply systems operable to timethe flow of water and concentrate to the mixing tank, a pressureresponsive device associated with the mixing tank and operated inaccordance with pressure developed by the quantity of water andconcentrate introduced into the mixing tank, an electrical switchconnected to the pressure responsive device and arranged to be actuatedby said device, a discharge system communicating with the mixing tank,an electrically operated discharge valve interposed in the dischargesystem, the respective supply and discharge valves being interconnectedelectrically with the said electrical switch to open the supply valvesand close the discharge valve when the pressure of solution in themixing tank is at minimum and to close the supply valves and open thedischarge valve when the pressure of solution in the mixing tank is atmaximum.

9. A machine for mixing and delivering a solution of water and embalmingconcentrate comprising; a closed vessel constituting a water reservoiradapted to maintain the water under pressure by air trapped therein,means for supplying water to the reservoir at predetermined pressure, aconcentrate reservoir nested within the water reservoir, the concentratereservoir being open to the air trapped within the water reservoir tomaintain the concentrate under the same pressure as the water, a mixingtank constituting a closed vessel nested within the concentratereservoir, respective supply conduits extending from the water andconcentrate reservoirs to the mixing tank including means for meteringat differential rates the supply of water and concentrate to the mixingtank, an electrically operated supply valve in each of said supplyconduits, a delivery conduit connected with the mixing tank operable todeliver the mixed solution to an injecting instrument, an electricallyoperated discharge valve in the discharge conduit, a pressure responsivedevice connected to the mixing tank, said device including atwo-position switch electrically connected to the supply and dischargevalves and thereby to charge and discharge the mixing tankintermittently to provide a pulsating discharge of solution.

10. An embalming apparatus or the like comprising; a water reservoir, aconcentrate reservoir, a closed mixing tank, a respective supply systemfor conducting water and concentrate at predetermined pressure and ratesof flow from the respective reservoirs to the mixing tank, respectiveelectrically operated supply valves in the supply systems operable toregulate the flow of water and concentrate to the mixing tank, apressure responsive device associated with the mixing tank including anautomatic switch adapted to be operated in accordance with the quantityof water and concentrate introduced into the mixing tank, a dischargesystem communicating with the mixing tank, an electrically operateddischarge valve interposed in the discharge system, the respectivesupply and discharge valves being interconnected electrically with theautomatic switch to open the supply valves and close the discharge valvewhen the quantity of solution in the mixing tank is at minimum and toopen the discharge valve and close the supply valves when the quantityof solution in the mixing tank is at maximum to provide a pulsatingdischarge, and a two-position manually operated control switchinterconnected with the discharge valve, the said switch in one positionproviding an open circuit to allow said pulsating discharge by operation01' the automatic switch and in a second position being operable tomaintain the discharge valve inopen position to provide continuousdischarge from the mixing tank.

11. An embalming apparatus for intermittently discharging a uniformsolution of water and concentrate comprising; a water reservoir, aconcentrate reservoir having a changing liquid level, a closed mixingtank, a supply conduit connecting the water reservoir to the mixingtank, a second supply conduit connecting the concentrate reservoir tothe mixing tank, a respective metering device in each of said supplyconduits operable to provide a metered flow of water and concentratefrom the respective reservoirs to the mixing tank, a water supply systemincluding a pressure regulating device connected to the water reservoiroperable to supplywater constantly at a predetermined charging pressureto the water reservoir, the water reservoir being adapted to trap andcompress a volume of air above the water contained therein to maintain aconstant charging pressure, means for conducting the air pressure of thewater reservoir to the concentrate reservoir whereby the water andconcentrate are delivered through both of said supply conduits to themixing tank at uniform charging pressure, a discharge conduit connectedto the mixing tank, a pressure responsive device connected to the mixingtank, a discharge valve in said discharge conduit adapted to control thedischarge of water and concentrate solution from the mixing tank, meansconnecting said pressure responsive device to the discharge valve, thepressure responsive device being operable to open said discharge Valvewhen a predetermined discharge pressure is developed within the mixingtank and to close the valve when the discharge pressure drops to apredetermined limit, the pressure responsive device being constructedand arranged to operate the discharge valve within discharge limitssubstantially less than the charging pressure maintained within thewater reservoir to provide metering of concentrate and water at apressure which is suificiently high to overcome the hydrostatic effectof the concentrate liquid level, whereby a uniform mixture is providedas the concentrate liquid level decreases.

12. An embalming apparatus for intermittently discharging a uniformsolution of water and concentrate comprising; a water reservoir, aconcentrate reservoir having a changing liquid level, a closed mixingtank, a supply conduit connecting the water reservoir to the mixingtank, a second supply conduit connecting the concentrate reservoir tothe mixing tank, a respective metering device in each of said supplyconduits operable to provide a metered flow of water and concentratefrom the respective reservoirs to the mixing tank, a Water supply systemincluding a pressure regulating device connected to the water reservoiroperable to supply water constantly at a predetermined charging pressureto the water reservoir, the water reservoir being adapted to trap andcompress a volume of air above the water contained therein at thepredetermined charging pressure, means for conducting the air pressureof the water reservoir to the concentrate reservoir whereby the waterand concentrate are delivered through both of said supply conduits tothe mixing tank at the uniform charging pressure and at a flow ratedetermined by said metering devices, a discharge conduit connected tothe mixing tank, a pressure responsive device connected to the mixingtank, a discharge valve in said discharge conduit adapted to control thedischarge of solution from the mixing tank, a respective supply valve ineach of said water and concentrate supply conduits, means connectingsaid pressure responsive device to the said supply and discharge valves,the pressure responsive device being operable to open said dischargevalve and to close said supply valves when a predetermined dischargepressure is developed within the mixing tank and to close the dischargevalve and open the delivery valves when the discharge pressure drops toa predetermined limit, the pressure responsive device being constructedand arranged to operate the supply and discharge valves within dischargepressure limits substantially less than the charging pressure maintainedin the water reservoir to provide metering of concentrate and water at apressure which is sufiiciently high to overcome the hydrostatic effectof the liquid level in the concentrate reservoir, whereby a uniformmixture is provided as the concentrate liquid level decreases.

WILLIAM STIRLING MOORE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 910,747 Turner Jan. 26, 19091,820,210 Barker Aug. 25, 1931 2,118,704 Grontkowski May 24, 19382,254,833 Ashkenaz Sept. 2, 1941 2,462,617 Eckels Feb. 22, 19492,569,016 Mitchell Sept. 25, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date624,867 Germany Jan. 30, 1936

